Description

Trad, sport, bouldering, and ice climbing are all well-represented here. Most of the climbs are on the sunnier, north side of the canyon, but shade may be found for those hot summer days. In addition, north-facing classic routes are found on the south side of the canyon (see especially Pentapitch Area and Coal Pit Buttress.

On the north side of the canyon, roughly from The Egg past the Gate Buttress, the rock is either owned by or the approaches to the tock cross land owned by the LDS Church. Be considerate when crossing/using these areas.

The Wasatch Resort about one mile up the canyon on the right (south) presents access problems to some of the crags on that side of the canyon as well.

Ice Climbing

This is a well known area. The Falcon guide has numerous routes listed, but realistically only 2 that come in real thick (at least that I've seen in the last 7 years of my ice climbing experience). There are a lot of other thin routes throughout the canyon. The 2 main lines are Scruffy Band and the Great White Icicle. The GW Icicle has always got a crowd! Last year I went up there at 10 at night for a late night run up the ice thinking the route would be free. There were still 2 groups just starting up the trail. This wouldn't be too bad, but the route is somewhat narrow, so anyone climbing above you will knock ice on you. So if you're looking for a remote, backcountry experience, this is not the area. Both Scruffy and GW icicle have easy approaches (10-30min) and the routes are moderate in difficulty (WI 2-3). So if you want a close easy climb with a crowd, these are probably good places to climb.

Getting There

From the I-215 beltway around Salt Lake, take the 6200 South exit at the southeast corner of the loop. Follow signs to the ski resorts and Big and Little Cottonwood canyon. Pass the left turn into BCC and continue on Wasatch Blvd (Route 210) for a few more miles. This road leads directly up into LCC. From the south, exit I-15 at 9000 South (Route 209). Head east as 209 becomes 9400 South and eventually hits Wasatch (210) at the mouth of LCC. Turn right and head up the canyon. (camping info#littlecottonwood)

Pitch 1. Climb the first 10ft of Valentine Crack then move right into V groove. Up this then right again past a bolt. Carry on up cracks to just below the top where instead of the wide gravel chimney, finish left and up the easy groove. 5.10 110ftPitch 2. Layback and undercling the right facing/curving corner. 5.10+ 70ft ...[more]Browse More Classics in UT

Little Cottonwood is an infamous area with a rich history of great traditional climbs, bouldering, and superb backcountry skiing. The rock is a very solid granite variation and offers many excellent cam and nut placements. Most routes have bolted belays, a very nice luxury, and all offer amazing climbing in equally amazing settings. Boulering is definitely not to be over looked, the canyon contains numerous routes ranging from V0 to V13. There are many bouldering spots, so one can find solitude and most offer extremely short approaches. No matter what type of climbing you are looking to do, Little Cottonwood Canyon will offer some of the best routes in wonderful and surreal settings.

I strongly oppose Snowbird's plans to build a roller coaster on the lower south face of Mt. Superior, across from and over Little Cottonwood Canyon Road.

Snowbird claims the proposed site is not used by hikers or backcountry skiers. This is not accurate. The area is on the southwest face of Mt. Superior, directly adjacent its summer trailhead/winter access points. This area is one of the most popular and treasured mountaineering, hiking, and backcountry skiing areas in Utah.

Furthermore, Mt. Superior is among the most beautiful and photographed areas in Utah, and the West. In fact, the 1976 Denver Olympic Bid Committee used a photo of Mt. Superior on its official bid packet.

While the proposed roller coaster will not directly inhibit mountaineering, hiking, or skiing, it will significantly diminish these pursuits and will be an embarrassing eyesore in Little Cottonwood Canyon.

Utah residents and tourists visit our canyons to play in the mountains, not on amusement-park rides.

Please contact your member of the Salt Lake County Council to urge them to oppose Snowbird's plans.

BEWARE of TICKS! My wife and I were in the lower parts of the canyon today. A few hours after we left, she discovered a tick on the back of her neck, just above her hairline. CREEPY and DANGEROUS! Ticks can carry some pretty nasty diseases, like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. It's something most people don't even think about, but they can be a real hazard - especially in the spring. Every time you leave the canyon, be sure to check your skin and scalp for these nasty buggers!

just scanning the classics on the front page and notice that All chalk as well as trench warfare are not listed, in fact no 12s are. kind of strange since people travel great distances to do these routes.

Depends on the carrier of course, but generally LCC is more cell friendly than BCC as it is a glacial canyon and therefore generally straighter. Certainly there are places where a signal is hard to find, but it's usually not too far of a walk to get one.

BCC has been outfitted with cell relays (?) last year, I have yet to find a crag where I can't InstaBook spray about how much of a choss slayer I am. LCC is more hit or miss for me, line of sight to the valley usually works.

Clinics include multi-pitch, traditional Lead Climbing, Top Site Self Rescue, Sport Lead Climbing, Light & Fast Alpinism, and more.

As our sport grows and more climbers come from the climbing gym to the outdoors, each of us must become better stewards of our climbing areas in order to maintain our access - not only through crag care, but also through mentorship at the crag. Become a better climber and join us! When: August 27-28th Where: Peruvian Lodge, Alta, Utah Tickets: $99 Full Weekend Pass, $20 Saturday Night Only saltlakeclimbers.org/events/sa...

Join us for the best climbing festival in Salt Lake - the only climbing festival in Salt Lake.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Adopt a Crags Lower Little Cottonwood Canyon Climbing Trail Access Project Saturdays & Sundays August-November 8am-2pm Location: Meet in the lower Little Cottonwood Park-n-Ride. If you miss the morning meet up, join the crew at the work area. / Work Areas August-November include: Crescent Crack & Mexican Crack Staircase, Bong Eater, Secret Garden, Coffin / Notes: Bring water and snacks. Long pants, close-toed shoes, helmets, gloves, sun protection and sunglasses are required. Expect heavy lifting and physical work. Register: saltlakeclimbers.org/adopt-a-c...An Adopt a Crag is about giving back to the climbing areas we use on a regular basis. It is important that we make an effort to maintain and care for our climbing areas in order to keep them open. Climbing is a privilege and not a right. Give back to your crag and volunteer with us today.

Left a blue hydro flask 320z insulated water bottle at the park and ride today, if you find it please let me know! i'd be happy to make it worth your -while. I can be contacted at 801-440-9546 Thanks, Greyson